Did you know that your body is an electrical generator? Nerves and muscles create electrical signals that deliver messages to and from your brain. Sensory nerves deliver information about your surroundings to the brain. Motor nerves deliver signals from the brain to activate your muscles. Injuries or diseases that affect nerves and muscles can slow or halt the movement of these electrical signals. If you have pain, weakness or numbness in your back, neck or hands, measuring the speed and degree of electrical activity in your muscles and nerves can help your
doctor make a proper diagnosis. This process is called electrodiagnostic testing.
Two tests are commonly used:
Electromyography (EMG)
Nerve conduction studies (NCS)
These tests are usually administered by a neurologist (a doctor who specializes in the study of the nerves) or a physiatrist (a specialist in rehabilitation medicine). The tests can be done in less than an hour (AAOS, 2015).
When would my doctor consider an electrodiagnostic (EDX) study?
This study is considered when the reason for pain or tingling or weakness is not clear. This study can also be used to determine the severity of a nerve injury or how badly a nerve is being pinched in the neck or back. Occasionally other conditions can mimick a pinched nerve in the back or neck. Electrodiagnostic studies can also help determine if other conditions are occurring.
What should my doctor know about me to determine if I should have an EDX?
The doctor performing the electrodiagnostic test will ask questions about the nature of your pain, tingling and weakness. This will help them determine which nerves and muscles to test. The physician may also ask questions about other conditions which may affect the nerves and muscles, such as diabetes and thyroid problems. Your doctor should know if you have ever had a neck or back surgery.
Are there any reasons I should not have an EDX study?
If you are on blood thinning medications, such as aspirin, plavix, heparin or warfarin (Coumadin), the physician may not perform certain portions of the test. If that information is absolutely necessary, you may be asked to stop blood thinning medication prior to the electrodiagnostic test. If you have a pacemaker or similar device, certain portions of the test may not be able to performed.
Nerve conduction studies
The doctor performs these studies by placing sensors over nerves in the arms and legs and then stimulating those nerves with small electric sensations. The doctor is able to see how fast or slow nerves are functioning. Comparisons are made to averages to see if see the nerves are working properly.
Electromyography (EMG)
EMG is performed by placing small needles in the muscles of the arm, leg or back to directly evaluate the electrical activity caused by a muscle contraction. EMG allows the physician to evaluate how well muscles are functioning. In addition, the EMG study can help determine if muscles are receiving the proper signal from nerves.
It’s not always possible to prevent spine and nerve conditions. The following suggestions can play a key role in protecting your back:
Exercise regularly. This is the most important thing you can do for your overall health as well as for your back. Pay special attention to your core muscles — the muscles in your abdomen and lower back that are essential for proper posture and alignment. Ask your doctor to recommend specific activities.
Maintain proper posture when you sit. Choose a seat with good lower back support, arm rests and a swivel base. Consider placing a pillow or rolled towel in the small of your back to maintain its normal curve. Keep your knees and hips level.
Use good body mechanics. If you stand for long periods, rest one foot on a stool or small box from time to time. When you lift something heavy, let your lower extremities do the work. Move straight up and down. Keep your back straight and bend only at the knees. Hold the load close to your body. Avoid lifting and twisting simultaneously. Find a lifting partner if the object is heavy or awkward.
Meet
Dr Hamid Mir is a board certified orthopedic spine surgeon with fellowship training in combined neurosurgery and orthopedic spine surgery. He has offices in OC, Los Angeles & Riverside. Dr Mir specializes in spinal fusion, lumbar surgery and treating trauma as well as other conditions affecting the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine including degenerative diseases, stenosis, fracture, infection, adult scoliosis, revision, and complex reconstructions.
Testimonials
I was in a very bad situation with a herniated disc in my lower back so I made an appointment with DISC spine center and Dr. Hamid. He was very professional and made me comfortable that he understood exactly what I was going through and was able to communicate effectively exactly what it will take to get me on the road to recovery after spine surgery. It took several months as my injury was severe however I always felt I was in good hands under Dr. Hamid’s supervision…If you ever have the misfortune of injuring your circuit board of your body (spine) you need a pro, do not take advice from anyone who’s not specifically licensed to help, Dr Hamid is who I chose and I’m very thankful.
Dr. Mir saw me about 2 months before the spine procedure and indicated that I had severe stenosis or narrowing of the openings where the nerve roots exit at the L4, L5 and S1 level. He reviewed my MRI and without wasting any time, asked if I wanted or was considering spinal surgery. He was extremely clear and answered all my questions. I had the procedure done at the Disc Newport OP surgery spine center and was cared for by an incredibly competent, caring staff. I was discharged same day and my post op recovery was 2 weeks, and returned to daily activities and work July 15th. The procedure was very successful as my back pain is basically gone. Amazing relief from a procedure done by a great surgeon with a great team!
Dr Mir is an excellent spine surgeon. I had a surgery on my neck by another surgeon but I was still in pain. A friend who had prior spine surgery with Dr. Mir recommended him to me. As the treating surgeon he was very detail oriented, confident, and knowledgeable. His team is very friendly and helpful. I decided to have a second cervical spine operation on my neck. Soooo thankful I have no pain and for physical medicine doctors like him.
Dr. Mir and his entire team of specialists take the extra time and consideration to shape alternatives to meet the needs (holistically) of the patient. Everything about the experience of my surgery was positive. Dr. Mir is a patient and compassionate surgeon. His communication skills are remarkably attentive. We are six months out of the starting gate from surgical treatment, and with PT and core strengthening exercises, this 65 yr. old is back to regular training for next year’s marathon. Thank you kindly El Doc-tor….you are amazing! See you soon.
Dr. Hamid Mir is a member of American Board of Orthopedic Surgery with fellowship training in combined neurosurgical and orthopedic spine surgery at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in 2004. As a top rated spine surgeon, he specializes in cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine diseases including degenerative, stenosis, fracture, infection, scoliosis, revision, and complex reconstructions.
Dr. Mir focused his practice on minimally invasive techniques. As Medical Director of DISC Sports & Spine Center, Dr. Mir is at the forefront of the field of minimally invasive spine surgery. The benefits of these techniques include less post-operative pain, quicker recovery reduced blood loss, less soft tissue damage, smaller surgical incisions, less scarring and improved function.
ORANGE COUNTY LOCATION
3501 Jamboree Road Suite. 1250
Newport Beach, CA 92660